Dental Crowns

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

A dental crown is a cap that completely covers a damaged tooth or dental implant. Made of artificial materials, crowns can be made to match the surrounding teeth, providing a natural appearance. Crowns can also add strength and improve proper alignment. A crown is cemented permanently into place, covering the exposed tooth above the gums.

Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry has in-house technology to create same-day dental crowns using Ceric Crowns. Patients are encouraged to ask if this technology is right for their specific case.

Do I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns can be used in a variety of situations, including to:

• Cover and hold together a tooth weakened by decay or fracture.
• Restore a broken or extremely worn tooth.
• Support and cover a tooth that requires a significant filling.
• Hold a dental bridge securely in place.
• Cover misshapen or discolored teeth.
• Cover a dental implant with a permanent, natural-looking, artificial tooth replacement.

Dental Crown Materials

Dental crowns can be made out of a variety of different materials, including: porcelain and ceramic. Cosmetic crowns, or crowns used to improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth, are typically made of porcelain or ceramic because of those materials’ ability to match surrounding teeth. A crown can protect the ongoing health of the tooth, while providing a natural-looking, fully functioning, and properly aligned structure. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we will work with you to determine the best crown material for the dental crown procedure.

Dental Crown Process

The dental crown procedure is completed during two separate dental visits. During the first of appointment, the tooth is examined to determine if it can support a crown. The tooth is then prepared for a crown. If the tooth is largely decayed or broken, the dentist will also clean and fill the tooth to properly prepare it for a crown. A custom impression of the tooth and those surrounding it is sent to a lab. A temporary cap is placed over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

The lab will make a dental crown that perfectly fits your tooth. During your second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary cap and the new crown is permanently placed on the tooth with an adhesive. If cared for properly, your crown can last a lifetime.

Tooth Crown Pain and Sensitivity

It may take some time to adjust to your dental crown, with tooth sensitivity and even pain being reported. If you’re experiencing pain, it may be because you need a root canal, and the crown is placing pressure on a tooth nerve. Pain from a tooth crown may also be caused by tooth grinding or improper crown height. If your crown is bothering you for more than a week, it’s important to schedule an appointment for us to examine the crown. It’s important to identify and address the pain immediately to prevent complications and to provide immediate relief.

Choose Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry for Your Dental Crown

Brushing and flossing twice a day, seeing the dentist for regular examinations, and regularly scheduled dental cleanings are all an important part of making sure your crown can last as long as possible. Contact Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry today to schedule your dental crown consultation!